$50,000 Bail for Man Accused of Armed Robbery – Car Theft

James Wages appeared in Missoula Justice Court on Thursday charged with seven counts of felony car theft, along with the theft of 19 scratch-off lottery tickets at gunpoint.

Deputy Missoula County Attorney Mark Handelman asked Judge Landee Holloway for $50,000 bail due to his extensive criminal history.

“These charges stem from the defendant using what appeared to be a gun to take money from a casino attendant, and he also stole numerous vehicles from various businesses and admitted to all of it,” said Handelman, who then brought up Wages’ criminal history.

“The defendant is on probation and has numerous warrants related to his probation in the past,” he said. “Given his propensity to fail to abide by probation, we do consider him a flight risk and a risk to the community, therefore we are requesting that $50,000 bail.”

Wages was also arrested for stealing a valuable truck in Ravalli County in August, and was placed on probation at that time.

Judge Holloway set bail at $50,000 in addition to a no bond warrant set from another case. Wages will appear in justice court again on February 3rd.